Laser light projection assembly

ABSTRACT

A light projection assembly includes a laser, particularly a diode laser, positioned and mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena, and a trigger pivotally connected to a housing for mounting the laser. The trigger is repeatedly and rapidly moved up and down to oscillate the laser in approximately a five degree arc to cause the laser beam to produce the illusion of a continuous animated line on the game arena surface. Mirrors can be positioned on the arena surface to reflect the light emitting from the laser to create a plurality of continuous visible lines of light on the arena surface. A variety of entertaining games can be played in conjunction with the invention.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for generating a coherentvisible light beam using a high intensity light source, such as a diodelaser. The light source is directed across a surface and rapidlyoscillated to give the appearance of a visible continuous linear beam onthe surface through the physiological phenomenon known as persistence ofvision. The apparatus can be used for playing a variety of games.

[0002] Persistence of vision refers to the tendency of a person toretain an image for a fraction of second after the image has beenviewed. The phenomenon forms the basis for animation and film, in whichmany frames of still pictures are presented to the viewer at a rapidrate to produce the illusion of a moving picture. The present inventionutilizes visual persistence to produce what appears to the viewer as acontinuous line of light from the rapid oscillation of a noncontinuouslaser beam.

[0003] Diode laser pointers are common and relatively inexpensive.However, the beam emitted from a diode laser has a frequency beyond thehuman visual spectrum, and therefore is only visible on the surface onwhich its is projected. As such, the diode laser is very useful as apointer to project a dot or similar point of light to draw an audience'sattention to a particular area on the surface of an object. However, thediode laser is not conducive for generating a continuous visible line,which is often desirable and has many useful applications, such as gamesof amusement and kinetic art.

[0004] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,182 discloses a board game whichutilizes lasers where players selectively divert the path of laserbeams. However, U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,182 does not disclose a means formaking a diode laser beam appear as a continuous linear beam. Instead,U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,182 recommends using a Helium-Neon or Krypton laser.Such high energy lasers can emit a beam at a frequency within the visualspectrum, and therefore are capable of generating a continuous linearbeam that is visible to the human eye. However, high energy gas andsolid state lasers are substantially more complicated and expensive thandiode lasers.

[0005] In an effort to overcome and eliminate the aforementionedproblems, the present invention was conceived.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide alight projection assembly capable of generating a visible continuousline of light on a surface using a relatively inexpensive and simplelight source such as a diode laser.

[0007] It is another object of the invention to provide a lightprojection apparatus that can be used for playing a variety ofentertaining games.

[0008] It is yet another object of the invention to provide a lightprojection apparatus having a surface for projecting a high intensitylight beam thereon.

[0009] These and other objectives of the present invention are achievedby providing a light projection assembly comprising a laser positionedand mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena.The laser is oscillated at a rate sufficient to cause the laser beamprojected onto the game arena surface to produce an illusion of acontinuous animated line on the game arena surface.

[0010] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, thelaser is a diode laser.

[0011] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the game arena comprises a floor and a side wall extending upward fromthe floor for projecting the laser beam thereon.

[0012] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the game arena surface is positioned horizontally, and the laser ispositioned on a horizontal plane above the floor.

[0013] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the light projection assembly includes a mirror positioned on the floorfor reflecting a high intensity coherent light beam emitted from thelaser onto the floor.

[0014] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the mirror is positioned perpendicularly to the game arena surface.

[0015] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the laser is oscillated in an arc sufficient to project the light beamonto the arena surface and the mirror.

[0016] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the game arena surface includes a metallic surface for positioning amagnetically attractable object thereon.

[0017] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the magnetically attractable object comprises a game piece forpositioning on the arena surface for use in playing a game inconjunction with the laser.

[0018] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the magnetically attractable object comprises a mirror for reflectingthe laser beam.

[0019] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the light projection assembly includes a second laser positioned andmounted for projecting a second laser beam onto a surface of a gamearena. The second laser is oscillated at a rate sufficient to cause thesecond laser beam projected onto the game arena surface to produce theillusion of a continuous animated line on the game arena surface.

[0020] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the light projection assembly includes a battery power source forpowering the laser.

[0021] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the light projection assembly includes an activating switch incommunication with the laser for turning the laser on and off.

[0022] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the oscillating means includes a trigger pivotally connected to ahousing, the laser mounted on the trigger whereby repeatedly moving thetrigger at a sufficient rate oscillates the laser to cause the laserbeam projected onto the game arena surface to produce the illusion of acontinuous animated line on the game arena surface.

[0023] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the trigger is pivotally connected to the housing by a hinge. The hingepermits a range of movement of the trigger of no more than five degrees,whereby moving the trigger oscillates the laser in an arc of fivedegrees.

[0024] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the game arena surface is positioned horizontally, and the trigger ispositioned in a horizontal plane above the surface.

[0025] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,repeatedly moving the trigger oscillates the laser in a vertical arc ata sufficient rate to cause the laser beam projected onto the game arenasurface to produce the illusion of a continuous animated line on thegame arena surface.

[0026] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the oscillation means includes a motor and gear train connected to thetrigger for repeatedly moving the trigger.

[0027] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the light projection assembly includes an activating switch for turningthe motor on and off.

[0028] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the light projection assembly includes means for controlling the speedat which the motor moves the trigger.

[0029] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the light projection assembly includes a battery power source forpowering the motor and the laser.

[0030] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the light projection assembly includes a laser positioned and mountedfor projecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena, and atrigger pivotally connected to a housing for mounting the laser.Repeatedly moving the trigger at a sufficient rate oscillates the laserto cause the laser beam projected onto the game arena surface to producethe illusion of a continuous animated line on the game arena surface.

[0031] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the laser is positioned within the housing.

[0032] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention,the housing is connected to the arena.

[0033] An embodiment of the method for playing a game using the lightprojection assembly of the invention, includes the steps of providing alight projection assembly having a laser positioned and mounted forprojecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena. The laser isoscillated at a rate sufficient to cause the laser beam projected ontothe game arena surface to produce an illusion of a continuous animatedline on the game arena surface. A game piece is positioned on thesurface. Players attempt to position at least two mirrors on the surfaceto reflect the laser beam so as to enclose the game piece by at leastthree visible continuous lines of light on the surface.

[0034] An embodiment of the method for playing a game using the lightprojection assembly of the invention, includes the steps of providing alight projection assembly having a laser positioned and mounted forprojecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena. The laser isoscillated at a rate sufficient to cause the laser beam projected ontothe game arena surface to produce an illusion of a continuous animatedline on the game arena surface. A game is positioned on the surface.Attempts are made to position at least two mirrors on the surface toreflect the laser beam onto the surface so that at least two visiblecontinuous lines of light contact the game piece.

[0035] An embodiment of the method for playing a game using the lightprojection assembly of the invention, includes the steps of providing alight projection assembly having a laser positioned and mounted forprojecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena. The laser isoscillated at a rate sufficient to cause the laser beam projected ontothe game arena surface to produce an illusion of a continuous animatedline on the game arena surface. A game piece is positioned on thesurface, a number is randomly determined. Players attempt to position atleast one mirror on the surface to reflect the laser beam so as toproduce a number of visible continuous lines of light on the surfaceequal to the randomly determined number and contact the game piece withone of the visible continuous lines of light.

[0036] An embodiment of the method for playing a game using the lightprojection assembly of the invention, includes the step of randomlydetermining a number by rolling a die.

[0037] An embodiment of the method for playing a game using the lightprojection assembly of the invention, includes the steps of providing alight projection assembly having a laser positioned and mounted forprojecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena, an activatingswitch in communication with the laser for turning the laser on and off,and oscillation means for oscillating the laser at a rate sufficient tocause the laser beam projected onto the game arena surface to produce anillusion of a continuous animated line on the game arena surface. A gamepiece is positioned on the surface with the laser turned off. Playersattempt to position at least one mirror on the surface in relation tothe laser and the game piece so that a visible continuous line of lightreflected off of the mirror and onto the surface contacts the game pieceupon activating the laser. The laser is activated to determine if thereflected line of light contacts the game piece.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above.Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as theinvention proceeds when taken in conjunction with the followingdrawings, in which:

[0039]FIG. 1 is a perspective of a game arena utilizing the lightprojection assembly according to a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

[0040]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the gamearena and light projection assembly according to the invention;

[0041]FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway plan view showing the light source andoscillation assembly, and control elements according to a preferredembodiment of the invention;

[0042]FIG. 4 is a side view of the light source and oscillation assemblyshown in FIG. 3;

[0043]FIG. 5 is a rear view of the light source and oscillation assemblyshown in FIG. 3;

[0044]FIG. 6 is a front view of the light source and oscillationassembly shown in FIG. 3;

[0045]FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a mirror piece according to apreferred embodiment of the invention;

[0046]FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the mirror piece shown in FIG. 7;

[0047]FIG. 9 is a side elevation of game piece according to a preferredembodiment of the invention;

[0048]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the game piece shown in FIG. 9;

[0049]FIG. 11 is a side cross sectional view of a preferred embodimentof a light projection assembly according to the invention, showingtransmission of its light beam to the game arena surface and a reflectorpositioned on the surface;

[0050]FIG. 12 is a side cross sectional view of the light projectionassembly according to claim 11, showing reflection of the light beam;and

[0051]FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of a lightprojection assembly according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

[0052] Referring now specifically to the drawings, a preferredembodiment of the laser light projection assembly according to thepresent invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and shown generallyat reference numeral 10. The laser light projection assembly 10 includesa light source 11 positioned within a housing 12 connected to a gamearena 13. As shown in FIG. 1, the light source 11 projects a highintensity light beam “B” into the arena 13, in which a variety ofentertaining games can be played. In addition, the light projectionassembly 10 can be used to create and display kinetic artwork. The lightsource 11 comprises one or more lasers emitting a laser beam at afrequency beyond the visible spectrum, but producing a visible image atthe point of contact on a surface. Such lasers include diode and excimerlasers. The light source 11 is preferably two diode lasers 11A, 11Bpositioned within the housing 12, and connected to the game arena 13 byan arena connector 14. Preferably, the game arena 13 is positionedhorizontally, however it can also be positioned vertically or at anyother angle. The lasers 11A, 11B are directed toward the arena 13 atslight angle and are mounted to a trigger 15 pivotally connected to thehousing by a hinge 16. The trigger 15 is positioned horizontally, andthe hinge 16 is connected to the trigger 15 directly above the lasers11A, 11B. The hinge 16 allows the trigger 15 to move the lasers 11A, 11Bin approximately a five degree vertical arc.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 3-6, a 3-volt DC motor 17 and gear train 18 aremounted on a motor and gear mount 19 within the housing 12. The motor 17includes a pinion 20 that communicates with the gear train 18. The geartrain 18 is connected to the trigger 15 proximate the end opposite thelasers 11A, 11B by an offset rod 21. The motor 17 and gear train 18cooperate to rapidly move the trigger 15 about its pivotal connection atthe hinge 16. The rapid up and down movement of the trigger 15 resultsin an oscillation of the lasers 11A, 11B in approximately a five degreearc. As shown in FIG. 3, the motor 17 and gear train 18 are turned offand on by an activating switch 22. A control dial 23 communicates withthe motor 17 to control the speed at which the pinion 20 and gear train18 move the trigger 15. The light source 11 and the motor 17 are poweredby a battery box 24, preferably containing four AA batteries.Alternatively, the motor can be powered by an AC adaptor.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, the game arena 13 is preferably circular andprovides a flat, level arena floor 25 having a surface on which thelight source 11 can project beams “B” on the floor 25. In addition, asidewall 26 extends upward from the floor 25 and provides an additionalsurface on which to project beams “B”, and maintains the beams “B”within the arena 13. Preferably, the arena floor 25 is made of amaterial, such as steel, so that magnetically attractable objects, suchas mirror pieces 27 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) and game pieces 28 (shownin FIGS. 9 and 10), can be easily mounted on the floor 25 of the arena13 for use in conjunction with a variety of games of amusement, whichare discussed in greater detail below.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the mirror pieces 27 are preferablyL-shaped with a base segment 27A, and an upwardly extending elongatesegment 27B. A mirror 27C is affixed on the side of segment 27B oppositebase segment 27A. In addition, a magnet 27D is mounted on the upper sideof base segment 27A, so that a game piece 28 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10),having a magnetic base 28A, can be positioned on base segment 27A toidentify and distinguish the mirror pieces 27. In an alternativeembodiment, the mirror 27C covers approximately half of segment 27B andthe remaining exposed area of 27B comprises a black-light absorbentmaterial that acts as a shield in games played with the light projectionassembly 10. The game pieces 28 are preferably a variety of colors, sothat each one can be identified as belonging to a particular playerparticipating in a game. As shown in FIG. 2, four LED lamps 29 aremounted flush on the floor 25 to provide low illumination projectingupward from the floor 25 to help players distinguish the colors of thegame pieces 28. The magnetic base 28A of the game pieces 28 allow forthe game pieces to be securely positioned on the metallic arena floor 25or on the top of the mirror magnet 27C to designate which playercontrols or owns a particular mirror piece 27.

[0056] The diode lasers 11A, 11B can be separately turned on and off byactivation switches 30. The lasers 11A, 11B emit diode laser beams “B”having a frequency that is not within the visible spectrum. However,when the beams “B” contact the arena surface 13, an image is formed onthe surface that is visible to the human eye. Typically, the visibleimage is a red dot, however, it can be of any color or shape, dependingon the design of the diode lasers 11A, 11B.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the trigger 15 is positioned abovearena floor 25, and the lasers 11A, 11B are mounted at a slight angle onthe trigger 15 so that the lasers 11A, 11B are aimed at the arena floor25. Although the following principles apply to both diode lasers 11A,11B, FIGS. 11-13 show only laser 11A for simplicity. The motor 17 andgear train 18 are turned on to rapidly oscillate the laser 11A inapproximately a five degree vertical arc in relation to the horizontalarena floor 25. The diode laser 11A projects an oscillating beam “B”onto the arena floor 25, producing visible dots at all points where thebeam “B” makes contact with the floor 25 of the arena 13. The highfrequency vertical oscillation of the laser 11A creates the appearanceof one continuous line of light “L” on the arena floor 25, as shown inFIG. 13. It is believed that the vertical oscillation of the laser 11Aat high speed causes the beam “B” to appear to the viewer as acontinuous line “L” due to the optical phenomenon known as“persistence.” Visual persistence refers to the tendency of a person toretain an image for a fraction of second after the image has beenviewed. This phenomenon forms the basis for animation and film, in whichmany frames of still pictures are presented to the viewer at a rapidrate to produce the illusion of a moving picture.

[0058] In addition, the upward oscillation of the trigger 15 causesbeams “B” to strike mirror pieces 27 positioned on the arena floor 25.The beam “B” is reflected off of the mirror pieces 27 to form additionaldistinct lines of continuous visible light “L” on the arena floor 25.The mirror pieces 27 can be arranged in a variety of positions relativeto each other to create various laser light designs on the arena floor25. The light lines “L” are most visible in conditions of low to nolight. If the trigger 15 is held by finger pressure, the oscillation ofthe beam “B” is stopped and the visible light line “L” is reduced backto merely a dot. The dot can be moved back and forth through all of thereflections by depressing and releasing the trigger 15 manually. Bypositioning the mirrors 27 at certain points on the arena floor 25, ageometric design can be created and displayed on the floor 25. Theposition of the mirrors 27 can be changed to alter the design displayedon the floor 25. As such, the light projection assembly 10 is capable ofgenerating a variety of aesthetically pleasing kinetic art, limited onlyby the imagination of the user.

[0059] According to one preferred embodiment, the light projectionassembly has the following dimensions: Housing 12: 4{fraction (3/8)}inches by 4{fraction (1/2 )}inches Arena 13: 18 inches in diameterTrigger 15: moves in a vertical range of {fraction (1/2 )}inch Geartrain 18: 1 inch in diameter Pinion 20: {fraction (1/4 )}inch indiameter Base segment 27A: 1{fraction (1/4 )}inch long Elongate segment27B: 2 inches high

[0060] The light projection assembly 10 described above can be used in avariety of entertaining games. The following are examples of such games.Basic principles that apply to all of the games described below includethe following:

[0061] Do not look directly into the laser beam “B”. Even very briefexposure can damage the eyes. The laser beam “B” reflects on a mirror 27according to the basic principle “the angle of incidence is equal to theangle of reflection.” This occurs in both horizontal and verticalplanes.

[0062] The laser line “L” must terminate on the wall 26 or target, suchas a game piece 28. It cannot end on the floor 25 of the arena 13. Themirror 27 reflecting a beam “B” segment is called a source. Each playingpiece comprises a game piece 28 mounted on a mirror piece 27 (shown inFIG. 1). The mirror 27C is separated into two sections: a reflectingsurface and a shield. The shield blocks the shot. The beam “B” cannot besplit. It must reflect completely off of a source, a playing piece (gamepiece 28 on mirror piece 27) or the arena wall 26. The game piece 28 ismounted on the mirror piece 27 to designate ownership of the playingpiece.

[0063] A visible line “L” must contact a playing piece to be considereda hit. Playing pieces can be moved to reflect the beam “B”, but the beam“B” cannot project above the arena wall 26. The mirror 27 of the playingpiece must be positioned completely within the out of bounds circle.Maintaining the reflection from the wall 26 at the same heightstrengthens the beam “B”. Playing pieces may be tilted slightly up ordown to direct the height of the beam “B”. A move is over when theplaying piece is released. The laser 11 can be operated in manual andautomatic modes. Depressing the laser trigger 15 moves the laser 11 in asmall vertical arc, about 5 degrees. Releasing tension on the trigger 15returns the laser 15 to its home position when the motor drive 17 isengaged.

EXAMPLE 1

[0064] In one preferred method for playing a game using the lightprojection assembly 10 according to the invention, the object is tocapture an opponent's playing piece by surrounding it with laser beams.The game is designed for 1-4 players. Players determine how many markersthey will play to. The first player obtaining this number wins.

[0065] Players roll die to determine who goes first. The game arena 13is empty at the beginning.

[0066] A move consists of: (a) placing a mirror piece 27 on the arenafloor 25 and marking it by positioning one's own game piece 28 thereonto form a playing piece; (b) moving one of one's own playing piecesalready on the arena floor 25; and (c) taking one of one's own piecesoff of the arena floor 25. Play continues clockwise around the arena 13.Enclosing an opponent's playing piece in at least three intersectinglines of light “L” entraps the piece. The player entrapping the piece isentitled to take the opponent's game piece 28 off of the mirror piece 27and place his own game piece 28 on the mirror piece 27, thereby givingthe successful player his opponent's entrapped piece. The playerexecutes a new move with the newly obtained piece. A player may enclosehis own pieces without adversely affecting them. The first player to winthe selected number of playing pieces wins the game.

EXAMPLE 2

[0067] In another preferred method for playing a game using the lightprojection assembly 10 according to the invention, the object again isto capture opponents' playing pieces. The game is designed for two tofour players. The game arena 13 is empty in the beginning. Each playerstarts with ten playing pieces, and places one piece on the arena floor25 to reflect the beam “B” to a wall. Each player rolls a die. Theplayer rolling the highest number goes first and makes the same numberof moves as shown on the rolled die. Subsequent turns consist of thenext player rolling the die and making the number of moves indicated.

[0068] A move consists of one of the following: (a) adding a new playingpiece to the arena floor 25 at any position; (b) removing one of aplayer's own pieces from the arena floor 25; or (c) moving one of aplayer's own pieces on the arena floor 25 to any position. An opposingplayer's piece is a target. To capture another player's piece, directtwo light lines “L” onto the target area. The player directing thesecond line “L” striking the target wins that particular piece. Thewinning player takes the captured piece and removes it from the arena13. The mirror 27 may be used again in play. Players may form alliances,strategize and betray each other to their best benefit. Play continuesclockwise around the arena 13. Capturing all but one of a player'splaying pieces eliminates the player. The winner has the majority ofplaying pieces at the end of the game.

EXAMPLE 3

[0069] In yet another preferred method for playing a game using thelight projection assembly 10 according to the invention, the object isagain to capture opponents' pieces. The game is designed for two to fourplayers. Each player is given an equal number of mirrors 27 (i.e., 2players: 8, 3 players: 5, 4 players: 4). The players position all oftheir pieces before the game starts. Players roll to see who goes first.The target is an opposing player's playing piece. The object is tostrike a target after using the number of reflections indicated by thedie. A player can turn any of the pieces to direct the beam “B”, butonly the initiating piece can be moved into position. A player canreflect off of an opponent's piece, but cannot move or turn them. Apiece that is hit by a light line “L” after the required number ofreflections is captured, and the successful player occupies the capturedpiece by replacing the game piece 28 currently mounted on the mirror 27with his own game piece 28. A player's move is over when they releasethe piece. Play continues clockwise around the arena 13. Capturing allbut one of a player's pieces eliminates the player. The winner has themajority of pieces at the end of the game.

EXAMPLE 4

[0070] In yet another preferred method for playing a game using thelight projection assembly 10 according to the invention the object is tocontrol the most playing pieces. The game is designed for one to fourplayers. The arena 13 is empty in the beginning, and the laser 11 isturned off. Players each place one playing piece on the arena floor 25reflecting the beam “B” to the wall 26. Players roll the die to see whogoes first. A move consists of one of the following: (a) adding a newpiece to the arena floor 25 at any position; (b) removing one of one'sown pieces from the arena 13; (c) moving one of one's own pieces on thearena floor 25 to any position; or (d) activating the laser 11 andtaking a shot.

[0071] A player rolls making the number of moves indicated on the die.Play consists of positioning your playing pieces in the direction youthink the laser will travel and directing the beam “B.” When a playerbelieves he can hit an opponent's piece, he attempts a shot by turningon the laser 11 on and reflecting the beam off any mirror 27. As a gamevariation, reflections can be restricted to a player's own pieces. If aplayer successfully strikes the target with a reflected laser line “L”,the piece belongs to the successful player. The same player may changethe piece and its position to reflect the beam. If this reflected line“L” strikes another opponent's target, the player continues until hemisses. Play then passes to the next player. If a player does not strikea target, play immediately passes to the next player.

[0072] A light projection assembly and methods of using same isdisclosed above. Various embodiments of the invention can be madewithout departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptionof the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode forpracticing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustrationonly and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being definedby the claims.

I claim:
 1. A light projection assembly comprising: (a) a laserpositioned and mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surface of agame arena; and (b) oscillation means cooperating with said laser foroscillating said laser at a rate sufficient to cause the laser beamprojected onto said game arena surface to produce an illusion of acontinuous animated line on said game arena surface.
 2. A lightprojection assembly according to claim 1, wherein said laser comprises adiode laser.
 3. A light projection assembly according to claim 1,wherein said arena comprises a floor and a side wall extending upwardfrom said floor.
 4. A light projection assembly according to claim 3,wherein said floor is positioned horizontally, and said laser ispositioned on a horizontal plane above said floor.
 5. A light projectionassembly according to claim 1, and further comprising a mirrorpositioned on said game arena surface for reflecting the laser beam. 6.A light projection assembly according to claim 5, wherein said mirror ispositioned perpendicularly to said game arena surface.
 7. A lightprojection assembly according to claim 5, wherein said oscillating meansoscillates said laser in an arc sufficient to project the laser beamonto said game arena surface and said mirror.
 8. A light projectionassembly according to claim 1, wherein said game arena comprises ametallic surface for positioning a magnetically attractable objectthereon.
 9. A light projection assembly according to claim 8, whereinsaid magnetically attractable object comprises a game piece forpositioning on said floor for use in playing a game in conjunction withthe laser.
 10. A light projection assembly according to claim 8, whereinsaid magnetically attractable object comprises a mirror for reflectingthe laser beam.
 11. A light projection assembly according to claim 1,further comprising a second laser positioned and mounted for projectinga second laser beam onto the surface of said game arena, saidoscillation means cooperating with said second laser for oscillatingsaid second laser at a rate sufficient to cause the second laser beamprojected onto said game arena surface to produce an illusion of acontinuous animated line on said game arena surface.
 12. A lightprojection assembly according to claim 1, and further comprising abattery power source for powering said laser.
 13. A light projectionassembly according to claim 1, and further comprising an activatingswitch in communication with said laser for turning the laser on andoff.
 14. A light projection assembly according to claim 1, wherein saidoscillation means comprises a trigger pivotally connected to a housing,said laser mounted on said trigger whereby repeatedly moving saidtrigger at a sufficient rate oscillates said laser to cause the laserbeam to produce the illusion of a continuous animated line on said gamearena surface.
 15. A light projection assembly according to claim 14,wherein said trigger is pivotally connected to said housing by a hinge,said hinge permitting a range of movement of said trigger of no morethan five degrees, whereby moving said trigger oscillates said laser inan arc of five degrees.
 16. A light projection assembly according toclaim 14, wherein the game arena surface is positioned horizontally, andsaid trigger is positioned in a horizontal plane above the game arenasurface.
 17. A light projection assembly according to claim 16, whereinrepeatedly moving said trigger at a sufficient rate oscillates the laserin a vertical arc to cause the laser beam to produce the illusion of acontinuous animated line on said game arena surface.
 18. A lightprojection assembly according to claim 14, wherein said oscillationmeans further comprises a motor and gear train connected to said triggerfor repeatedly moving said trigger at a sufficient rate to cause thelaser beam to produce the illusion of a continuous animated line on saidgame arena surface.
 19. A light projection assembly according to claim18, and further comprising an activating switch for turning the motor onand off.
 20. A light projection assembly according to claim 18, andfurther comprising means for controlling the speed at which said motormoves said trigger.
 21. A light projection assembly according to claim20, and further comprising a battery power source for powering saidmotor and said laser.
 22. A light projection assembly comprising: (a) alaser positioned and mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surfaceof a game arena; and (b) a trigger pivotally connected to a housing formounting said laser thereon, whereby repeatedly moving said trigger at asufficient rate oscillates said laser to cause the laser beam projectedonto said game arena surface to produce an illusion of a continuousanimated line on said game arena surface.
 23. A light projectionassembly according to claim 22, wherein said laser is positioned withinsaid housing.
 24. A light projection assembly according to claim 22,wherein said trigger is pivotally connected to said housing by a hinge,said hinge permitting a range of movement of said trigger of no morethan five degrees, whereby moving said trigger oscillates said laser inan arc of five degrees.
 25. A light projection assembly according toclaim 22, and further comprising a motor and gear train connected tosaid trigger for repeatedly moving said trigger at a sufficient rate tocause the laser beam to produce the illusion of a continuous animatedline on said game arena surface.
 26. A light projection assemblyaccording to claim 22, wherein said game arena surface is positionedhorizontally, and said trigger is positioned in a horizontal plane abovesaid game arena surface.
 27. A light projection assembly according toclaim 22, wherein said game arena comprises a floor and a side wallextending upward from said floor.
 28. A light projection assemblyaccording to claim 22, wherein said housing is connected to said gamearena.
 29. A method for playing a game using a light projection assemblycomprising the steps of: (a) providing a light projection assemblycomprising: (i) a laser positioned and mounted for projecting a laserbeam onto a surface of a game arena, and (ii) oscillation meanscooperating with said laser for oscillating said laser at a ratesufficient to cause the laser beam projected onto said game arenasurface to produce an illusion of a continuous animated line on saidgame arena surface; (b) positioning a game piece on the game arenasurface; and (c) attempting to position at least two mirrors on the gamearena surface to reflect the laser beam so as to enclose the game pieceby at continuous animated lines on said game arena surface.
 30. A methodfor playing a game using a light projection assembly comprising thesteps of: (a) providing a light projection assembly comprising: (i) alaser positioned and mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surfaceof a game arena, and (ii) oscillation means cooperating with said laserfor oscillating said laser at a rate sufficient to cause the laser beamprojected onto said game arena surface to produce an illusion of acontinuous animated line on said game arena surface; (b) positioning agame piece on the game arena surface; and (c) attempting to position atleast two mirrors on the game arena surface to reflect the laser beam sothat at least two continuous animated lines on said game arena surfacecontact the game piece.
 31. A method for playing a game using a lightprojection assembly comprising the steps of: (a) providing a lightprojection assembly comprising: (i) a laser positioned and mounted forprojecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena, and (ii)oscillation means cooperating with said laser for oscillating said laserat a rate sufficient to cause the laser beam projected onto said gamearena surface to produce an illusion of a continuous animated line onsaid game arena surface; (b) positioning a game piece on the game arenasurface; (c) randomly determining a number; and (d) attempting toposition at least one mirror on the game arena surface to reflect thelaser beam so as to produce a number of continuous animated lines on thegame arena surface equal to the randomly determined number and contactthe game piece with one of the continuous animated lines.
 32. A methodfor playing a game according to claim 31, wherein the step of randomlydetermining a number comprises rolling a die.
 33. A method for playing agame using a light projection assembly comprising the steps of: (a)providing a light projection assembly comprising: (i) a laser positionedand mounted for projecting a laser beam onto a surface of a game arena,(ii) oscillation means cooperating with said laser for oscillating saidlaser at a rate sufficient to cause the laser beam projected onto saidgame arena surface to produce an illusion of a continuous animated lineon said game arena surface, and (iv) an activating switch incommunication with the laser for turning the laser on and off; (b)positioning a game piece on the game arena surface with said laserturned off; and (c) attempting to position at least one mirror on thegame arena surface in relation to said laser and said game piece so thata continuous animated line reflected off of said mirror and onto thesurface contacts the game piece upon activating the light source;
 34. Amethod for playing a game using a light projection assembly according toclaim 33, and further comprising the step of activating the laser todetermine if the reflected line contacts the game piece.